ROAD TEST

By ED TAHANEY

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS|

Jan 29, 2000 | 12:00 AM

DRIVING WITH SMILE FORD FOCUS LX 4 STARS The Focus is an excellent example of Ford's "New Edge" design concept. At first glance, it appears to be a simpler version of its big cousin, the Mercury Cougar. It's not. The Focus is cute and cuddly, almost like a toy. But what the heck is "New Edge"? "People have used it to describe cars as either amorphous, round or very geometric with sharp creases. 'New Edge' is a combination of those things," says Ford veep J. Mays. "Those sharp creases give the vehicle a precision feel, but still allow you to produce an aerodynamic, rounder shape.

" And Mays should know. Before coming to Ford in 1997, he was one of the guys who made the new VW Beetle happen. The Focus LX we tested is a much more conservative ride. It's a car geared toward practical drivers, folks who prefer the Escort or a Honda Civic. Unlike the reliable but dull and uninspiring Civic, the Focus is fun. The four-door, five-speed sedan has a base price of $12,600 and is a pleasure to drive. The front-wheel, five-speed is powered by a 2-liter, in-line four. It delivers a spunky 107 horsepower and averages about 27 miles per gallon in Manhattan. It even manages to give tall drivers plenty of headroom, and can actually seat five adults comfortably. It's available as a wagon and a sportier, three-door hatchback that's equipped with a peppier engine. Upgrades and options can drive the sticker price up to $17,000 or more. on the web www.

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com - The official Ford Motor Co. site, with lots of pictures and model information. www.